Yes I saw lots of evidence of the Chinese influx, whole villages of upmarket hi rise apartments for them only, no Laotian allowed there, our Laos driver told me so. Can't say I noticed the traffic or masses of people, I found their driving to be much better than here and the night market was busy but nothing like UD Town. When I was there the locals were telling me that the other areas were much nicer than Vientiane but were desperately poor, I shall go back at some point and see those places for myself but I think I will drive, it can't be any worse than driving through Calais.

“If Britain must choose between Europe and the open sea, she must always choose the open sea.” - Sir Winston Churchill.